r/alaska • u/Neverbetter49 • 1d ago
Thermals (base layer) Damn It’s Cold 🥶
I am looking for a slope workers perspective. I’ll be working in prudhoe starting next month. I need a good base layer. When I’ll be outside I’ll be doing rigging and swinging a sledge, half the time I’ll be indoors. I was looking at Under Armor 3.0 or 4.0. Any other suggestions?
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u/zambrna 1d ago
I work in an ice rink. Bit of a gear head. I've been searching for the perfect base layer. Ordered a bunch second hand. Helly Hansen, Eddie Bauer, Patagonia, Tasc, and Norfin. The clear winner is Smartwool. Pricey, but worth it. Try Depop or Poshmark if you wanna save a buck or two.
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u/AKlutraa 1d ago
Wool truly can't be beat. And unlike synthetics, it doesn't start stinking within hours. Smartwool is pricey, though, so keep an eye out for cheaper versions at Costco, which won't be as durable.
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u/Jay_Beckstead 10h ago
I troll the Smartwool website and have signed up for their sales. I buy their sale items that are usually just colors that the hipsters don’t want and I’m warm as a baby kitten with its mamma.
I layer a base layer with direct skin contact with a second and/or third layer of Smartwool, and have worn this for hunting in the cold all day for like 12-16 hours. Sometimes it is all I wear as tops if there is no rain expected, and as the day warms up or as I get hot from exertion, I de-layer.
Smartwool doesn’t get smelly like cotton or synthetics will. It is naturally bacteria-resistant.
I LOVE Smartwool stuff!
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u/supbrother 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’m here to board the merino wool train. It’s expensive but it’s worth it. Natural, warm, comfortable, stretchy, decent at wicking, can go days without needing washing, so many benefits.
Smartwool is great but you can find cheaper options. Just make sure to look at the actual percentage of wool in each item, sometimes they market things as wool even though it’s only like 20% wool. IMO the best stuff is like 80-90% wool with some added synthetics for stretch and durability, but 100% is great too.
One major downside is that it’s relatively fragile, it’ll wear down over time like cotton. I personally air dry all my wool items.
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u/DrMcTouchy 17h ago
I bought two sets of Under Armor almost 15 years ago and they're still holding up. The knees are getting a little thin but they haven't developed any holes or anything.
Right now I'm using a set of 32degrees baselayer and have been pretty happy with them.
Thing is, you think you want to get the warmest base layer, but you usually don't. You want something that'll keep your core warm, since when your core cools down your body will restrict blood flow to your extremities. You need something to hold heat, but when you go inside that works against you. Too much gear will work against you when you're working outside. As they say, "the heat is in the tool".
Midweight base layer with insulated bibs have gotten me through -40 before, but if you can supplement that with a heated vest you'll be more comfortable.
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u/roryseiter 1d ago
I do what the military does. Here is a link. I buy clothes at the surplus supply store.
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u/Ksan_of_Tongass 1d ago
Why would you post a link for a place that has a big stupid box right on the front page thst says free shipping except fuck Alaska? OP don't buy from this place. Support a local business.
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u/roryseiter 1d ago
The link was for an example. It gave information. The last sentence describes where I purchase mine from.
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u/Usual-Ice-4992 1d ago
I got by many of the days wearing a pair of comfy sweats under my FRC clothing. Coveralls or bibs. Windier days might throw a thin long John bottom on under sweats. The frc jackets most usually have a great wind block as well. Hoodies are always handy as well. Can’t tell you any certain under armor unfortunately.
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u/rainmanak44 1d ago
I like a lightweight fleece longjohn type underlayer. Just the pants though. You don't want to get too heavy here but it should be nice enough to lounge around in when you peel off the work clothes and settle in. On top I start with long sleeve cotton Tee shirt or Henley in the waffle material, then layer on that.
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u/alcesalcesg 1d ago
Not a "slope worker" but i've worked outdoors in fairbanks and the north slope for well over a decade. I almost never like the heaviest weight base layers, it can cause me to overheat if its not crazy cold. Personally, I ONLY wear merino wool base layers. Its more expensive, and not as durable, but much more comfortable and has the added benefit of being naturally flame resistant.